For the first time, Xie Jinyi felt a surge of genuine fury.
She was usually emotionally reserved and rarely lost her composure regardless of how dire the situation was. This time, however, she couldn't help but slam the jade box shut. The crisp sound of the collision was exceptionally sharp in the quiet room.
“Xiangling.”
The little maid outside heard the sound and hurried in.
“Miss, what are your orders?”
Xie Jinyi turned around. Her voice had regained some measure of calm, but her beautiful eyes still held a distinct chill.
“Who came to my room after I left?”
Xiangling was taken aback. This was the first time she had seen the usually easygoing Eldest Young Miss so serious. She quickly shook her head.
“No one, Miss. I’ve been tending to the flowers and plants in the front yard. I didn't see anyone enter.”
“Think carefully.”
“Truly, no one. Except for those who serve you directly, no one else ever comes here.”
Xie Jinyi stared at her for a moment. Seeing that her expression didn't look fake, her confusion only deepened.
If it were an ordinary servant, it would be nearly impossible to enter her room without alerting anyone.
Was it someone from outside the estate? Was she being targeted?
But if that were the case, why would the thief only take the spiritual ginseng and leave other valuables untouched?
A thought suddenly flashed through her mind, and Xie Jinyi’s gaze sharpened. Had someone discovered her relationship with the Prince?
The spiritual ginseng had been sent by the Prince. If someone had bothered to investigate, they might have known its value and specifically waited for her absence to steal it.
But she quickly dismissed this theory.
No, there was another person in the Prime Minister's residence—someone she had nearly overlooked recently, yet someone who had the strongest motive.
Xie Zhaofan!
At the thought of that name, Xie Jinyi’s expression grew complicated.
Though that foster sister was willful and arrogant, and had even maliciously tried to harm her once, she was still just a young lady raised in the depths of a boudoir. Since when did she have the ability to enter a room silently and leave without a trace?
And why would she steal spiritual ginseng?
Ordinary people had no idea how to use such a medicinal herb. If consumed rashly, it wouldn't bring benefits; instead, the overwhelming medicinal power could damage the body.
Yet, she couldn't think of anyone else.
After a moment of hesitation, she decided to go see for herself.
...
At this moment, Xie Zhaofan was lazily swinging in the courtyard.
She held a piece of pastry in her hand, eating with great relish. Her expression was as pleasant as could be.
Only when she saw a familiar figure approaching did she slowly look up.
“Sister?”
Xie Zhaofan blinked and then offered an exceptionally natural smile.
“What a rare guest. We live so close, yet this is the first time you’ve actively come to visit, isn't it? Chunxing, quickly steep some tea for my sister and bring out some snacks.”
Her enthusiastic manner caused Xie Jinyi’s footsteps to falter slightly.
She was finding it harder and harder to understand this foster sister.
In the past, every time they met, they would almost always end up in an argument. At the lakeside, Xie Zhaofan had even tried to push her into the water to drown her.
But ever since she was placed under Confinement by their father, this girl seemed to have become a completely different person.
No longer did she use cold sarcasm; instead, she was always smiling and calling her "sister," occasionally even offering flattering remarks.
However, Xie Jinyi did not let down her guard. She never believed a person's nature could change so thoroughly in just a few days.
Especially not Xie Zhaofan.
“Xie Zhaofan.”
Xie Jinyi stopped and fixed her gaze on her.
“Did you enter my room?”
Here it comes.
Xie Zhaofan laughed inwardly, but her face showed nothing but confusion.
“Sister, you can’t just say things like that. I’ve been sleeping in my room all afternoon and haven’t even stepped out of the courtyard. Both my maids can testify to that.”
She spoke with such conviction and an open expression that she seemed to truly have nothing to do with it.
Xie Jinyi was not so easily fooled.
“Do you think I would come looking for you without evidence?”
“Oh?”
Xie Zhaofan became interested.
“What evidence do you have, Sister?”
Xie Jinyi looked at her and said slowly, “I have specialized incense in my room. If anyone enters, the scent will cling to them. It’s very difficult to completely remove it in a short amount of time.”
“So there’s such a thing!”
Xie Zhaofan’s eyes brightened. As expected of the God-ordained Divine Doctor Female Lead; these strange methods were indeed impressive.
“Then smell for yourself. Do I have that scent on me?”
As she spoke, she actually leaned in closer on her own initiative.
Xie Jinyi didn't stand on ceremony. She leaned down and carefully discerned the scent on her.
A moment later, her elegant brows knitted together.
None.
Xie Zhaofan only had a faint, sweet, natural scent, entirely devoid of the specialized incense from her room.
The coldness on Xie Jinyi’s face froze.
“How is this possible?” she murmured softly.
Xie Zhaofan nearly burst out laughing. Of course it’s impossible.
She had noticed the scent before she even entered the room. Once inside, she had carefully shielded her hair and sleeves. The first thing she did upon returning was change her clothes and take a cold bath.
She didn't believe there could be any evidence left. Would Xie Jinyi even dare to search her room?
“So, Sister, you’ve truly wronged me this time.”
Xie Zhaofan deliberately put on a wronged expression.
“I have everything I need. Why would I go into your room? Could it be that you had some treasure hidden that was stolen?”
Xie Jinyi’s expression became awkward. She hadn't expected to truly guess wrong this time.
And thinking about it carefully, Xie Zhaofan had no idea of the value of the spiritual ginseng. Even if she had it, it wouldn't necessarily be useful to her.
“I was impulsive this time.”
Xie Jinyi was straightforward and apologized directly.
“My apologies.”
Having said that, she turned to leave.
“It’s alright, Sister.”
Xie Zhaofan watched her back with a smile.
“Come visit more often when you're free.”
Xie Jinyi’s footsteps faltered imperceptibly, but she didn't look back and quickly left the courtyard.
Once she was far away, the smile on Xie Zhaofan’s face could no longer be contained.
She had won this round! And she had even made this so-called destiny’s Female Lead suffer in silence.
The feeling was simply too satisfying.
It wasn't that she had to fight Xie Jinyi to the death. In fact, if not for the mess left by the original owner, she would be perfectly willing to live in peace with this sister.
But their current identities were awkward. Since they were on opposite sides, she couldn't exactly stick her neck out and wait for someone to deal with her.
Besides, that spiritual ginseng had granted her two attribute points.
Those were treasures related to her future survival and enjoyment in this world. Whoever tried to touch her attribute points would have to answer to her.
“Sister, don't worry.”
Xie Zhaofan watched the direction Xie Jinyi had left and muttered to herself.
“I’ll try my best not to steal your things in the future.”
Of course, that was provided that no more treasures that could increase her attributes appeared.
Rate on N.U.
